Petron is the favored son in the SMC Group - so yes, I anticipate a lot of changes in the roster to bring about immediate results.

I don't expect Olsen Racela to be relieved. It's been only two conferences and even if his team hasn't performed to expectations, there's so much latitude given to him owing to his lack of experience. Remember, Racela was hired to handle Petron in an effort to prevent the MVP camp to secure his services. At that time, Racela was already handling the national 16 and under team through the auspices of the SBP which MVP runs. Demoting or firing Racela would only mean MVP getting hold of his services as Chot Reyes would do everything to bring him there.

Racela though might be backed up by more able and experienced assistants to help him. Maybe Siot Tanquincen - who's an excellent scout. Maybe Koy Banal - perhaps the best assistant coach in the SMC stable. Racela will get all the support he needs at the bench.

As for the present roster, I would be surprised if Noli Eala doesn't tinker with the lineup once more. The interview given by Jay Washington to Rey Joble, complaining about his lack of playing time, is a telling sign. Expect Washington out before August. There might be some roster changes as well - I won't be surprised if Alex Cabagnot is also shipped out - maybe perhaps for someone named Lewis Alfred Tenorio.

More players might be brought in - not exactly superstars but role players to complement the nucleus of the team. I think it's safe that Petron is banking on the duo of Junmar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter to lead the team for several seasons - not unlike what Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela did to San Miguel Beer a decade ago. Arwind Santos is also a major trade bait that they can offer so don't be surprised if he's not indispensable anymore. At this point, the players assured of slots in the team would be Fajardo and Lassiter only. Even Chris Lutz may be dispensed with, so long as they got a good replacement in return.

Petron management would probably be making their moves immediately after the conference ends. They won't wait for July or August to start making the roster changes as they need the break to acclimatize one with each other. Team building seminars and overseas games may be tapped to build teamwork and camaraderie among the players, so the earlier they finalize their lineup, the better for them.

Lastly, they would do everything to secure an import who'll fit into their needs. They probably would need a 6'6 guy capable of playing the #4 position. This is to ensure that Fajardo continues to get his playing time and further development while Lassiter gets his minutes at the 2 or 3 spots as well. Santos may be relegated as chief backup to the import or slide to #3. If Ginebra ends up losing to ROS tonight, I'm expecting Tenorio to be moved to Petron with Josh Urbiztondo taking over the point chores at Ginebra. Alex Cabagnot may be moved to Barako Energy to fill up the PG void that Rajko Toroman needs to attend.

Petron is the favored son in the SMC Group - so yes, I anticipate a lot of changes in the roster to bring about immediate results.

I don't expect Olsen Racela to be relieved. It's been only two conferences and even if his team hasn't performed to expectations, there's so much latitude given to him owing to his lack of experience. Remember, Racela was hired to handle Petron in an effort to prevent the MVP camp to secure his services. At that time, Racela was already handling the national 16 and under team through the auspices of the SBP which MVP runs. Demoting or firing Racela would only mean MVP getting hold of his services as Chot Reyes would do everything to bring him there.

Racela though might be backed up by more able and experienced assistants to help him. Maybe Siot Tanquincen - who's an excellent scout. Maybe Koy Banal - perhaps the best assistant coach in the SMC stable. Racela will get all the support he needs at the bench.

As for the present roster, I would be surprised if Noli Eala doesn't tinker with the lineup once more. The interview given by Jay Washington to Rey Joble, complaining about his lack of playing time, is a telling sign. Expect Washington out before August. There might be some roster changes as well - I won't be surprised if Alex Cabagnot is also shipped out - maybe perhaps for someone named Lewis Alfred Tenorio.

More players might be brought in - not exactly superstars but role players to complement the nucleus of the team. I think it's safe that Petron is banking on the duo of Junmar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter to lead the team for several seasons - not unlike what Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela did to San Miguel Beer a decade ago. Arwind Santos is also a major trade bait that they can offer so don't be surprised if he's not indispensable anymore. At this point, the players assured of slots in the team would be Fajardo and Lassiter only. Even Chris Lutz may be dispensed with, so long as they got a good replacement in return.

Petron management would probably be making their moves immediately after the conference ends. They won't wait for July or August to start making the roster changes as they need the break to acclimatize one with each other. Team building seminars and overseas games may be tapped to build teamwork and camaraderie among the players, so the earlier they finalize their lineup, the better for them.

Lastly, they would do everything to secure an import who'll fit into their needs. They probably would need a 6'6 guy capable of playing the #4 position. This is to ensure that Fajardo continues to get his playing time and further development while Lassiter gets his minutes at the 2 or 3 spots as well. Santos may be relegated as chief backup to the import or slide to #3. If Ginebra ends up losing to ROS tonight, I'm expecting Tenorio to be moved to Petron with Josh Urbiztondo taking over the point chores at Ginebra. Alex Cabagnot may be moved to Barako Energy to fill up the PG void that Rajko Toroman needs to attend.

Acab for LA I like. But I thought sister teams cannot trade with each other? They might use BB or another team.

JWash and Arwind are both 32 so it's a good time to trade them both if there's a good offer.

I think Lutz should stay. He just came from an injury but his role has been affected with Marcio and Tubid in the team.

6'6" pala height limit sa third conf. I thought it was 6'5".

And if things don't work out this year , maybe RSA will finally see the light and give Eala the boot or at least an ultimatum.